[OSP] GM PaleDim's PFS# 06-16 Scions of the Sky Key, Part 3 (Inactive)

Game Master PaleDim

#3: The mural depicts two dwarves locked in battle. One of them has long, braided hair while the other is bald.

Knowledge (dungeoneering): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Gaskar recognizes the bald dwarf as a duergar. Ugly slavers from deep below ground. He sighs, hoping the dwarf with braided hair defeated the dreaded duergar.

Ari-Ani likes where Soleil is going and tries to follow her lead.

Aid Another Bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Know: Local for #3: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Perception for #4: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Know (either) untrained for #5: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Survival for #6: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Sense Motive for #7: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Know (either) untrained for #8: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Know: Local for #10: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Talethia tries her best to piece it together and weaves the following into (or over, as need be) Soleil's story:
"A Dwarven hero looked upwards to the light. A fiery stone fell from the sky. The dwarves and duergar fought over a piece of it. The piece guided the dwarves to a new land rich in gold. A new home was built. But sadness came, and a horned, winged creature. The piece of stone from the sky was given to the grippli for safekeeping until it was needed again."

Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Ari-Ani then turns her attention to the other murals with the help of her wayfinder.

#3
Aid Telethia K. Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

#4
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 Telethia and Ari with twin crits.

"The symbol set on the south point of the compass rose is a stylized version of the symbol engraved on the piece of metal that you found inside the dwarven talisman."

#7
Aid (if possible) Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

#10
K. Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

"The dwarf in the mural is a Taralu. These jungle dwarves practice a version of ancestor worship alongside the worship of totems based on local creatures, particularly dragons and wyverns. These dwarves have a small but notable presence within the city of Kibwe."

Ki Chin tries to pull on his meager knowledge of geography to identify #2 and #5.
Knowledge(Geo): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Knowledge(Geo): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Looks like we're out of luck for that first one, so Soleil will go ahead and try to bluff her way through while others look at some of the other murals.

You don't strictly have to do them in order and you don't *have* to bluff for ones that you can't otherwise make. I want to make sure that's clear before you decide.

The Pathfinders begin to look around at the different murals, and talk about them in haphazard order. First a couple near the beginning, and then the last two. The gargoyle nods along, somewhat encouraged by their initial information.

It seems you may in fact have some link to the people who left this place so long ago. Keep going...

He seems to want to hear a little bit more to solidify his trust in you.

Soleil begins to spin a tail about the first mural, and while it doesn't entirely square with the facts of what it represents, she convinces the gargoyle that this is her understanding of it as handed down by the original Dwarves of this place.

And saving the bluff to get that last success, that's enough to move on :)

The Golden Guardian nods approvingly. “You truly are the worthy bearers of the talisman, so I shall tell you a story that Sigrin of Ashkurhall, the founder of this place, once told me. “Long ago, when Sigrin’s father ruled as king, the dwarves rose from the depths and built a citadel so mighty that even a titan would gaze upon it in awe. Centuries later, a shower of stars rained upon a land not far from the dwarven hold. The dwarves marched to investigate. They found many wonderful things, the greatest of which was the mysterious artifact they named the Sky Key.

“But dark times soon followed, for their cousins from the underworld fell upon the dwarven citadel. Caught unprepared, the dwarves knew they could not hold off against the siege. The king ordered all but his most trusted guards to leave, and stayed behind to buy his people timed to escape. Before Sigrin and her three siblings left to lead the dwarves to safety, the king gave each of them a piece of the Sky Key, and kept one for himself. The dwarves traveled far and wide, but the dangerous journey across the unknown land caused rifts in their clan. One by one, the king’s children went their separate ways, each taking a piece of the key and a part of the clan. Sigrin’s dwarves made their way to this continent, and though they found it quite inhospitable, they pressed on. After much searching, they found gold and started building this place. Their prosperity grew with each passing decade.”

Grinning, the Guardian continues, “That’s when I entered the picture. We didn’t get along at first, but I came to realize they were decent people, who appreciated stone and gold as much as I did.

“Their luck did not last, however. A sickness came over the dwarves, and the survivors were too few in number to continue their lineage. Rather than slowly die out here, they chose to leave. However, they wanted someone to watch over this place. They chose me. Sigrin went to her grippli allies and gave them her piece of the key. Where the dwarves were going, they couldn’t hold onto their memories and traditions. I think Sigrin made up a monstrous story about me—I probably deserved it,” the Guardian says with a grin, “but the story was to protect this place and the piece of the key.”

The Guardian stares at the last mural for a long time. “The dwarves left to join their cousins who lived in the jungle to the east. They never came back.”

And now for the final act...

Just as you finish speaking with the Golden Guardian, the group of kobolds returns, screaming “More intruders! They attacked us!”

IMPORTANT You have ONE round to prepare before Aspis agents will begin arriving at the door to this chamber. Decide what you want to do with your round.

While you prepare, the kobolds gleefully describe how their bolts and traps hurt the intruders, or how Stinkeye chomped on someone’s leg.

The kobolds are injured and out of ammunition, so they flee to the northeast corner of the temple to recover more bolts.

Also, a reminder from moments before your conversations with the kobolds and the Golden Guardian:

DC 12 Knowledge (dungeoneering) or Knowledge (engineering) check, or a DC 17 Perception

You notice the six pillars are badly corroded. With enough damage they can be collapsed to fall over on nearby creatures (though the area in which they fell would be harder to pass (difficult terrain).

Gaskar smiles when he hears that Stinkeye chomped an Aspis agent's leg. 'They deserve it.'. "Ha!"

Gaskar pulls out his flail and readies his stance for when the enemies arrive.

Talethia starts tapping her feet, the beat inspiring courage in her allies. She unties the scarf from around her waist, then flips it around with a snap, exposing the razor-sharp blades woven into that side of the fabric.

"Let's cause some trouble, Tiny." She says over her shoulder. The little raccoon jumps down and finds a place where he can hide, but still watch for Talethia's signal.

Ki Chin activates his pearl of power to recall his shield spell. He then takes another look at the pillars.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Would I have enough time to use the pearl of power AND cast Shield again?

Ki Chin: That would be two standard actions, so no. You still have a move action. ALSO you all had already made the perception check for the pillars, that was just a post to remind you of the result.

Gaskar it looks like you have a move action left too.

Gaskar draws his weapon and prepares for their onslaught. Talethia begins her inspiring dance and draws her blade scarf. Ki-Chin begins to recover some of his lost arcane energy.

And the rest of you? Soleil, Magmara, Meux, and Ari-Ani

Gaskar readies an attack if one moves close to him

Soleil and Magmara move towards the entrance which seems to be where the party is gathering according to the map and prepare for their enemies to appear. I assume that it would be a double move to get there from the murals, so no readied actions.

Meux casts Hedging Weapons and a shimmering scimitar of force appears and starts circling the Gnome

+1 Deflection Bonus to AC for two minutes or until the weapon is discharged

Ki Chin moves down the stairs near the entrance.

Awesome, that just leaves Ari-Ani.

Ari-Ani invokes her jade wayfinder to give her guidance and then hides behind the wall near the door.

Stealth (not using guidance): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Tiny can't be in the door, so I'm going to need to move her to the other side of Talethia. The kobolds have been opening and closing the door as they go (Talethia, let me know if you really did want her in *front* of you, or between you and the door).

Also, somebody inadvertently moved the map itself, and after correcting it I think everybody is snapped into their intended square. (maybe that's why tiny was in the door?)

Suddenly, thundering through the door is a towering half-orc woman, two garundi men, all along with a trained but lethal-looking leopard. They look around and glare at all present with unspoken purpose in their eyes. However, they also seem somewhat worse for wear already, as they have visible injuries. It seems the traps you left intact and waves of kobolds provided at least some resistance!

Battle theme!

Round 1
Bold may act

Ki Chin
Mei
Magmara
--------------
Yellow (-14, sickened)
--------------
Soleil
Ari-Ani
Gaskar
--------------
Red (-10, sickened)
--------------
Talethia
Tiny
--------------
Blue (-10, sickened)
--------------
Golden Guardian
--------------
Green (-8, sickened)
--------------
Meux

Ki Chin, Mei, and Magmara are up!

Map updated!

Magmara moves to where she'll have a clear shot at the Half-Orc and swings her hammer.

Masterwork Lucerne Hammer: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 161d12 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Magmara lands a solid blow onto the half-orc, causing her to glare back at a new target, hefting a very large greataxe.

Yellow (-21, sickened)

The idea was for Tiny to find something to hide behind so that he could pop out and distract and/or give flanking to people. I forgot to go put him somewhere specific on the map.

If you want to adjust, the space between Magmara and Yellow is still open perhaps to provide some more flanking. Practically, without the party spreading out more, the strategy wouldn't have provided the opportunity for tiny to pop up right behind the enemy with the door area so crowded.

Ki Chin moves closes in on Yellow and with a kiai he brings katana down on the half-orc in a two handed grasp.
Katana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Katana: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Using two hands on a one handed weapon adds an additional half of the Str modifier right?

Ki-Chin steps up and lays into the fresh bruise with his katana's blade. The half-orc grips the great axe in preparation to deal out some consequences and repercussions...

Yellow (-27, sickened)

Is Mei doing anything before we move on?

Mei goes into her battle form and attack the half-orc, sharp teeth ready to tear Yellow apart.
Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
damage: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Just as the half-orc is eyeing Ki-Chin she feels ferocious nibbles at her legs. She's now had it and releases her great-axe from a full wind-up! The arc of the blade leads to Ki-Chin!

The telegraphing has been very apparent up to this point, and it appears the rough conditions on the way into this chamber are getting to her. She misses widely and curses under her breath in orc'ish tongue.

Round 1
Bold may act
Battle theme!

Ki Chin
Mei
Magmara
--------------
Yellow (-31, sickened)
--------------
Soleil
Ari-Ani
Gaskar
--------------
Red (-10, sickened)
--------------
Talethia
Tiny
--------------
Blue (-10, sickened)
--------------
Golden Guardian
--------------
Green (-8, sickened)
--------------
Meux

Soleil, Ari-Ani, and Gaskar are up!

Ari-Ani can see the assailants are well surrounded. Instead of adding to the crowd, the rogue puts away one of her maces, pops the grease wand from her wrist sheath, and attempts to cast it on the orc and cat. Taking step forward, she invokes the wand, using her Guidance.

UMD on grease: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Duration 1 min./level (D)

Gaskar charges down the stairs. Double move.

Ari-Ani points her wand under the feet of the intruders, and an impossibly thin sheen forms there. They each look slightly nervous as their footing begins to falter...

The leopard's claws suddenly stretch open and grasp tightly through the grease, as if they were spring loaded. It stays on its feet.

The axe-warrior loses confidence as the leopard holds on. She yellow falls prone! Just as this happens, one of the two mercenary agents also falls red. The other laughs at him and gets a dirty look.

50% rate is not bad in this encounter!

Soleil is still up!

Soleil smiles as she rushes towards the fallen foe yellow and swings her blade down.

Elven Curve Blade: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 151d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 1 = 14
The additional +1 is a point of fire damage in case there's resistance.

Soleil plunges her blade into the half-orc before she can get up again, ending the threat of the greataxe.

Probably a good call knocking out that threat first :)

The prone mercenary tries to stand up...

but slips and falls right back down again! He decides to crawl backwards for better footing.

Drawing an attack of opportunity from Ki-Chin!

Round 1
Bold may act
Battle theme!

Ki Chin
Mei
Magmara
Soleil
Ari-Ani
Gaskar
--------------
Red (-10, prone, sickened)
--------------
Talethia
Tiny
--------------
Blue (-10, sickened)
--------------
Golden Guardian
--------------
Green (-8, sickened)
--------------
Meux

Talethia and Tiny are up!

Ki-Chin may take an attack of opportunity on RED.

Just an FYI, if Red has partial cover from the wall, then he is not subject to AoO.

It's from before the move seen on the map. Red and Ki-chin shared a corner then.

Talethia continues her inspiring dance and weaves in arcane gestures towards the mercenary who had laughed at his companion falling over. "That was pretty funny wasn't it?" Suddenly his companion's repeated falls seem even more humorous...

Hideous Laughter, DC 14 Will save

Tiny will delay.

Ki-Chin may take an attack of opportunity on RED.

Apologies Ki-Chin, I was mistaken and cover is at play here, so no attack of opportunity (rules reference in the discussion tab).

Tiny delays to when? Or simply no action and keep init position?

The other mercenary chuckles again on Talethia's cue. He doesn't understand what's going on yet, but the laughter continues into uncontrollable belly laughs, to an absurd degree.

BLUE can take no actions and is prone, but isn't helpless.

The Golden Guardian glides over the party and lowers to about ten feet off the ground, in preparation for a potential flyby attack. He seems to be eyeing the leopard.

The leopard then leaps up at Soleil with both claws...

She dodges the first one easily, but it causes her to leave an opening and get caught in the shoulder by the second claw. The stinging slash leaves distinct marks that begin to turn red.

End Round 1/Start Round 2
Bold may act
Battle theme!

Meux
Ki Chin
Mei
Magmara
Soleil (-6)
Ari-Ani
Gaskar
--------------
Red (-10, prone, sickened)
--------------
Talethia
Tiny
--------------
Blue (-10, sickened, prone; hideous laughter 3 rounds)
--------------
Golden Guardian
--------------
Green (-8, sickened)
--------------
Meux

Meux, Ki Chin, Mei, Magmara, Soleil, Ari-Ani, and Gaskar are up!

Taking a step to get within range the kensai's right arm comes down on the leopard.
Katana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
If it hits I will use 1 point from my arcane pool to use Perfect Strike and maximize the damage.
The air starts to fill the air as electricity starts flowing in Ki Chin's katana as arcane energy leaps out at it towards the leopard.
Spellstrike(Shocking Grasp): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Confirm crit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Shocking Grasp damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1If crit this is x2

Delays until just before Talethia's next turn.

Gaskar eyes the giant cat. 'Hmmmm..'. Theres only one thing he can do! He'll step up into the greased up area.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Thankfully, his footing is solid. He'll smash down his flail on the animal, hoping to knock it out.

dire flail attack, non-lethal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

But he slips on the grease at the last second as he swings, just hitting the air.

Seems like there is some conflicting movement/positioning between Lin Ki and MA Gasker both need to occupy the same space.

With no room to attack and no clear angles for thrown weapons, Ari-Ari waits....
If the cat falls this round, and there is an opening, Ari will advance to the spot and attack blue or red. If no opening exists, she puts her wand back in her wrist sheath.

"Excuse me, small friend," Magmara says, standing over Tiny and taking a swing at the cat. But the cat has cover from Soleil and Talethia, hence the -4

Masterwork Lucerne Hammer: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 5 - 4 = 171d12 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Seeing Soleil scratched by the leopard, Meux retrieves his wand of Cure Light Wounds. He waves it a moment, trying to decide on a proper spot to lay it, given the available spots from the height difference. The gnome takes a deep breath and touches it to her right kidney area.

"May the healing grace of the beloved Dawnflowah soothe your wounds so that you may slice that naughty kitty to pieces!'

wand of CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Mei sees that it is already too crowded decides to wait until there is more space.

Taking a step to get within range the kensai's right arm comes down on the leopard.

You can't take 5' steps through corners (reference).

Yeah, it's really tight around the entrance the way people are arranged.

UPDATE Now that the leopard is dead, moving about could be easier. Prone creatures still get attacks of opportunity, BUT all their melee attacks come at -4. There is still acrobatics for moving into the grease. So, that's the situation.

Soleil feels a soothing tap from behind, and before she identifies it as a wand held by Meux her wounds close up as if she'd never been harmed.

Magmara's hammer thrusts between Talethia and Soleil to deliver a good bonk on the leopard's head. Its eyes glaze over and cross before it falls over dead.

Redirecting Gaskar's attack toward's the BLUE downed mercenary.

Gaskar was just winding up to likewise bonk the cat when Magmar's blunt weapon came speeding into view, doing the deed. At the last moment he twists his upper torso and slams the flail down on the laughing mercenary. He hears a sick crack from under his armor, but still the afflicted man continues laughing. The joke outweighs the pain for now.

And with some more room to move, I'm leaving those who delayed as up for their turn.

Round 2
Bold may act
Battle theme!

Ki Chin (deciding what to do, not able to take that 5' step)
Mei
Magmara
Soleil
Ari-Ani
Gaskar
--------------
Red (-10, prone, sickened)
--------------
Talethia
Tiny
--------------
Blue (-21, sickened, prone; hideous laughter 3 rounds)
--------------
Golden Guardian
--------------
Meux

Ki Chin, Mei, Soleil and Ari-Ani are up!

"Thanks, Meux!" Soleil calls out feeling the healing wash through her body. And then, smiling sadistically, she steps carefully forward to attack her prone foe blue

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

But the grease is more slippery than she'd anticipated and the Ifrit falls to the ground.

Letting out a yell, she goes ahead and slashes at her foe from her prone position.

Elven Curve Blade from Prone Position: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 131d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7

Probably not gonna get it done. Was hoping I could take him out so people could move up to get red.

Unable to move Ki Chin sends a bolt of acid at blue instead.
Acid Splash: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1